Radiation Converter Quantum Absorption Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining individual quantum absorption events in radiation converters are inaccurate, often failing to register absorbed quanta due to multiple absorption events in different pixels caused by the photoelectric effect or Compton scattering, leading to incorrect energy determination.
Innovation Solution
A method involving temporally continuous analog-to-digital conversion of electrical signals from radiation converters, followed by storage and further processing of digital signals to accurately determine the number and energy of absorbed quanta, utilizing correlation analysis between adjacent pixels to resolve multiple absorption events as a single quantum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If analog signals from multiple pixels are compared using comparators to determine quantum absorption events, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of quantum absorption events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic comparator-based signal processing system with a digital computing system. Analog signals are converted to digital values, and a computing device performs software-based algorithms to determine quantum absorption events. This substitution of digital computation for analog electronics resolves the contradiction by enabling complex multi-pixel correlation analysis without increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dimension by analyzing signals over time windows and using time-correlated single photon counting. Instead of comparing spatial signals simultaneously, the system processes signals sequentially in time, allowing multiple absorption events from a single quantum to be resolved across different time points, thereby improving measurement precision without adding spatial complexity.
2Ease of operation
If only the strongest analog signal is associated with quantum absorption, then the device operation is simplified, but the reliability of quantum detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges signals from multiple pixels by correlating their temporal profiles. Instead of selecting only the strongest signal, the system combines information from multiple pixels that detect portions of the same quantum absorption event. This merging of multi-pixel data within a correlated time window improves detection reliability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated algorithmic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by iteratively analyzing digital signal values, comparing temporal profiles, and adjusting the assignment of absorption events to quanta. The computing device uses feedback loops to refine the correlation between pixels and quanta, ensuring reliable detection even when individual pixel signals are weak or ambiguous.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple pixels detect absorption events from a single quantum, then the measurement precision of quantum energy deteriorates, but the quantity of detected absorption events increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct temporal windows and pixel groups. By dividing the analysis into time-correlated segments, the system can identify which pixels belong to the same quantum absorption event and process them as a unified group. This segmentation allows accurate energy determination for each quantum while capturing all absorption events across multiple pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial analysis by initially processing only the most strongly correlated pixel combinations, then progressively including weaker correlations. This approach ensures high measurement precision for clearly identified quanta while still capturing additional absorption events, achieving a balance between precision and quantity through iterative processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables robust and accurate determination of absorbed quanta and their energies, reducing errors in energy calculation and improving the accuracy of quantum absorption event registration.
Implementation Method 1
due to the photoelectric effect and/or Compton scattering, it is possible for individual quantum to cause a plurality of quantum absorption events in different pixels
Implementation Method 2
due to the photoelectric effect and/or Compton scattering, it is possible for individual quantum to cause a plurality of quantum absorption events in different pixels
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for determining individual quantum absorption events in a radiation converter which counts quanta. In at least one embodiment of the method, temporally continuous analog-to-digital conversion of electrical signals generated by a quantum absorption event to a digital signal is carried out first of all by the radiation converter. The digital signal is then processed to determine the number of quanta of the underlying quantum absorption event absorbed in the radiation converter.